Difference between internal and external motivation

Motivation  can be either external (extrinsic) and internal (intrinsic).

External motivation – the driving force that triggers you in achieving your goal. Such as:

• Money.
• Prize.
• A simple smile and encouragement.

Internal motivation – the force that leads you to achieve a goal because of personal satisfaction or desire. Examples are:

• Putting up your own business.
• Participating in a competition.

Trophies, medals, money, discounts, grades, entrance to programs or schools, new clothes and losing weight are all examples of extrinsic motivators. These are used to motivate individuals to pursue their goals.

Examples:

Extrinsic Motivation

• Participating in a sport to win awards

• Cleaning your room to avoid being reprimanded by your parents

• Competing in a contest to win a scholarship

• Studying because you want to get a good grade

Intrinsic Motivation

• Participating in a sport because you find the activity enjoyable

• Cleaning your room because you like tidying up

• Solving a word puzzle because you find the challenge fun and exciting

• Studying a subject you find fascinating